St George’s CofE Primary School, located in Battersea, London, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 5 and 6, 2024. The school is characterized by a friendly and nurturing environment where pupils feel happy and safe. They are aware of the support available to them, which contributes to their positive behavior and understanding of the school's reward system. Incidents of bullying are rare, and pupils trust that any issues will be addressed seriously.
The school maintains high expectations for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. It ensures that every pupil is valued and included in various school activities, promoting equality among all students. In the classroom, pupils are actively engaged in their learning and encouraged to express their thoughts clearly. They learn to respectfully challenge and support each other's views during discussions, fostering a collaborative learning atmosphere.
St George’s offers a rich educational experience, with opportunities for pupils to participate in trips to significant cultural sites such as the National Gallery and the Imperial War Museum. Additionally, the school invites local figures, including police officers and magistrates, to discuss important topics like the rule of law and personal safety. Special events, such as dance workshops and cricket festivals, further enrich the pupils' experiences.
Reading is prioritized at St George’s, starting from Nursery, where children engage with sounds, songs, and rhymes. In Reception, they transition to more formal phonics lessons, with staff continuously monitoring progress. If any pupil struggles, they receive effective support to help them catch up. The school ensures that pupils read books suited to their reading levels, promoting confidence and skill development.
Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and effectively use assessments to identify and address misconceptions. For instance, in phonics, they ensure pupils understand word construction before progressing. In mathematics, pupils articulate their understanding of fractions using appropriate vocabulary. The curriculum is ambitious, and while most subjects are well-delivered, some pupils occasionally struggle to recall or discuss what they have learned due to ongoing curriculum refinements.
The school is proactive in identifying and supporting pupils with special educational needs, offering tailored learning activities and additional support as needed. Positive attitudes towards learning are evident, and inappropriate behavior is infrequent. Pupils are taught emotional management and collaboration skills, contributing to a respectful school culture.
St George’s is actively working to improve attendance rates and address persistent absence. Staff monitor attendance closely and seek to understand the reasons behind absences, implementing interventions to support families. These efforts have shown gradual success in improving attendance.
The school promotes wider pupil development through various roles and responsibilities, such as librarians and members of the pupil parliament. All pupils, including those with special educational needs, have access to extracurricular activities, which include after-school clubs in cookery, computing, and police cadets.
Staff appreciate the training provided, which considers their workload and well-being. Governors are engaged in the school’s safeguarding practices and are prepared to challenge leaders when necessary. Parents and carers commend the school for its support to pupils and the wider community.
The safeguarding arrangements at St George’s are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. While the school is performing well, it is recommended that leaders continue to embed curriculum changes in foundation subjects to enhance pupils' ability to recall and discuss key concepts. Overall, St George’s CofE Primary School continues to provide a good quality of education, fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
